How Much Does Mold Removal Cost? This is What You Can Expect to Pay

By Troy Davenport

Are you wondering how much mold removal costs? If yes, you should check out our guide on the prices you can expect to pay.

More than half of all homes in America may currently have some kind of mold problem. And while some types of mold are relatively harmless, some extremely toxic strains are commonly found in households. These fungi can wreak havoc on a household's joint health, as well as cause significant structural damage to a home.

The final mold removal cost associated with treating a home varies depending on severity, type of treatment, and the service provider. Still, it's essential to be familiar with these costs and to be prepared to treat and eradicate mold in your home.

Keep reading to discover more about common household molds, how to remove them, and how to prevent them from coming back.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus. Fungi are one of the oldest forms of life, having come into existence at least 1.5 billion years ago. There's a chance that fungi are far older, as examples don't tend to fossilize well. Still, one of the most massive single living organisms in the world (Armillaria ostoyae) is a type of fungus that grows in Oregon.

All fungi are classified into one of five categories. However, the most commonly recognized forms of fungi include:

Mushrooms

Mold

Digestive enzymes

Mold colonies and bacterial colonies are often confused with one another. However, they both grow differently and take on very different shapes. Also, certain types of mold can kill bacteria, such as penicillin.

Not all types of mold are dangerous, but that doesn't mean that it's okay to ignore a growing mold problem. Many common household molds can lead to significant health issues, and some can even eat through fabrics, wood, and drywall.

Recognizing and understanding these different types of mold is the first step toward effective mold removal and treatment.

Different Types of Mold

There are over a dozen types of mold that can be found in the average home. Each class has a specific level of toxicity, a unique color pattern, and an ideal growth environment. Some flourish in humid, moisture-filled areas, while others prefer cold, dry surfaces.

Stachybotrys

Whenever you hear someone talking about black mold, chances are they're talking about Stachybotrys. This type of fungus thrives in moist environments and can often be found in homes with damp basements or houses damaged by a flood. However, homes built in naturally humid areas may also develop this type of mold.

Black mold can cause significant respiratory and sinus issues, as well as general tiredness and depression. Because it often grows inside of walls, beneath floorboards, and other hard-to-reach places, it is considered one of the most challenging types to detect—unless, of course, you're a professional with air-testing kits.

Mucor

This strain of mold looks like tiny, fuzzy tentacles and tends to grow in large swaths or patches. Mucor molds can be found in air conditioning systems and a home's air duct, making it particularly difficult to spot. This mold can cause asthma, aggravated respiratory conditions, and fever.

Alternaria

The most common type of mold found in modern homes and households is Alternaria. It tends to be dark green or brown and can cause allergic reactions. This mold's greatest danger is its ability to travel around a home quickly and infest several locations and materials.

How Does Mold Infest a Home?

There are several ways that mold can infest a home. Because fungi can grow in all types of climates and environments, it can be nearly impossible to avoid mold growth in a home altogether. Some of the most common entry points for spores include:

Doors, windows, and vents

Clothing and shoes

Household pets

Most modern building materials are treated with chemicals to prevent mold growth. However, when a home is excessively humid, spores can proliferate nearly anywhere. Furniture, carpeting, walls, wallpaper, paint, and insulation can all become home to different strains of mold.

Symptoms of Household Mold

Some types of mold are relatively harmless, and may only cause aesthetic damage to materials. However, many common household molds are toxigenic and should be treated and removed as soon as possible.

Those living in moldy environments are likely to exhibit a particular set of symptoms. Many household molds cause respiratory problems, and homeowners may not be aware of a mold issue until health complications arise. Still, the most common signs and mold infestation include:

Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose

Coughing, itchiness in the throat

Itchy, dry eyes

Asthma

Tightness in chest, difficulty breathing

Dry skin

Lethargy and confusion

The health symptoms caused by contact with a mold vary depending on the pre-existing health status of the individual, and the type of fungi encountered. However, some types of mold produce almost no symptoms,

Mold Removal Cost and Treatment Options

The precise cost for a mold removal service varies. The extent of mold growth and damage, the type of mold, and the servicer all contribute to the final cost of removal. Still, some averages may help homeowners gain a little perspective on treatment costs.

The average cost of mold remediation per square foot is about $15 to $31. The average total cost for treatment services is just over $2,000, with most homeowners spending about $1,500 to $3,100. However, mold infestations that are caught very early, and are isolated situations, can cost as little as $500 to remove.

In terms of treatment, homeowners and tenants have a few options from which to choose.

Abrading

Antimicrobial Cleaning

During an antimicrobial cleaning, areas infested with mold are sprayed with enzymatic and antimicrobial cleaners that kill spores and held to prevent continued fungal growth.

Dry Ice Cleaning

Dry ice cleaning with HEPA vacuum removal is one of the least expensive and most effective treatment options. It can kill almost 100% of all spores on-contact and can be less damaging to materials than antimicrobial sprays.

How Much Does Black Mold Removal Cost?

Black mold removal often costs the same as any other type of mold removal. However, homeowners may have to spend an additional sum on new paint, drywall, or wallpaper to hide stains leftover after treatment.

Will Insurance Cover Mold Removal?

Most forms of home insurance will cover mold removal if the mold was caused by a potential peril or disaster covered by the original insurance policy. For example, mold caused by flash flooding is likely covered by a policy that covers flash floods. Mold insurance claims aren't difficult to file, but they may require a little beforehand research.

Enjoy a Healthier, Happier, Mold-Free Home

When left untreated, mold can completely take over a home and begin consuming it from the inside out. It is essential to seek immediate mold removal or treatment services at the first sign of sickness, or visible fungal growth.

Doing so will not only help to protect your property, but it will also help eliminate aggravated health conditions and issues caused by breathing in mold spores. While mold removal costs vary greatly depending on several key factors, most homeowners can expect to spend an average of $23 per square foot.

If you're interested in learning more about home design, health, and beauty, please check out our magazine today!